Snoring is, of course, a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (or O.S.A.) which, because it simply stops you from breathing for long stretches during the night, can bring a visit from the Grim Reaper.

Such a visit is eventually inevitable, as we all (reluctantly) understand, but O.S.A. can speed up its scheduling, sometimes by years.

The condition can be controlled by the regular use of a CPAP machine, awkward though it may be to use it. A loving and attentive wife and sleep partner, someone who is in tune with the rhythms of your nighttime breathing is helpful as well.